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Delhi-Mumbai Flight Scare: Why an Air India Engine Shut Down Mid-Air

An Air India flight from Delhi to Mumbai had to turn back after experiencing a serious engine issue. The crew noticed a critical drop in oil pressure and safely shut down the affected engine. Everyone landed safely back in Delhi, and the aviation regulator is now investigating what went wrong. Meanwhile, the airline is also preparing for potential fog-related disruptions with special measures for passengers.

Key Points: DGCA Probes Air India Engine Shutdown on Delhi-Mumbai Flight

  • A Mumbai-bound Air India B777-300ER returned to Delhi after a technical issue with its right-hand engine
  • The crew followed procedure to shut down Engine No. 2 after its oil pressure dropped to zero
  • DGCA stated the incident will be investigated by its Permanent Investigation Board
  • Air India activated its 'Fog Care' initiative to manage potential delays during the winter fog season
2 min read

DGCA to probe 1 engine shutdown incident on Air India's Delhi-Mumbai flight

DGCA launches probe after an Air India B777's engine shut down shortly after takeoff from Delhi. The aircraft landed safely and passengers were re-accommodated.

"The flight crew observed low engine oil pressure on Engine No. 2... the crew shutdown the No. 2 engine and the aircraft landed safely at Delhi - Directorate General of Civil Aviation"

New Delhi, Dec 22

Following an engine shutdown on Air India’s Delhi-Mumbai flight, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Monday said it will probe the incident.

Earlier in the day, the Mumbai-bound Air India B777-300ER aircraft returned to Delhi shortly after take-off due to a technical issue. The aircraft landed safely at Delhi.

“The AIC 887 (Delhi-Mumbai) was involved in Airturnback as during flap retraction after take-off, the flight crew observed low engine oil pressure on Engine No. 2 (Right-Hand engine),” the regulator said.

Soon after the take-off, the engine oil pressure dropped to zero. Following the procedure, the crew shutdown the No. 2 engine and the aircraft landed safely at Delhi, it added.

The DGCA noted that “the inspection/rectification is in progress”.

“The incident would be investigated by the Permanent Investigation Board of the Airline under the supervision of Director Air Safety(NR), DGCA”, it added.

Air India said that the airline is providing immediate assistance to the affected passengers and “alternative arrangements have been made to fly them to their destination shortly”.

Amid flight disruptions, Air India said earlier that it has stepped up preparations to minimise passenger inconvenience during the ensuing fog season, announcing measures including CAT III B crew rostering, deployment of CAT III B‑certified aircraft, network-wide airport readiness, tech-enabled passenger assistance, and proactive communications.

CAT III B crew roster and certified aircraft mean assigning specially trained and certified flight crews, along with deploying aircraft that can land in low visibility conditions.

Air India has also activated its ‘Fog Care’ initiative to help passengers in scenarios where there are delays or schedule changes due to situations beyond our control, a release said.

Under the initiative, flights that are likely to be affected by fog, based on the met forecast, are proactively identified, and passengers are alerted about any delay or a change in schedule, the company said.

The DGCA has designated December 10, 2025, to February 10, 2026, as the official fog window this season.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Scary incident! I fly this route often for work. While I'm glad everyone is safe, Air India really needs to step up its maintenance game. The Tata takeover was supposed to improve things, but such technical faults shake passenger confidence.
A
Aman W
Good to see DGCA taking prompt action. The investigation must be transparent. Also, the 'Fog Care' initiative mentioned at the end is a positive step. Indian aviation needs more such proactive measures, especially during winter.
S
Sarah B
As someone who travels frequently between Delhi and Mumbai, this is concerning. The article says they made alternative arrangements, but the real test is how they treat passengers during such delays. Hope the 'immediate assistance' was actually helpful.
V
Vikram M
Engine oil pressure dropping to zero right after take-off? That's a serious maintenance lapse. The probe should find out if it was a one-off or a systemic issue. Our airlines must not compromise on safety, no matter what.
K
Kavya N
The professionalism of the crew is commendable. It's a reminder that these things can happen anywhere. The focus now should be on proper rectification and ensuring it doesn't repeat. Also, good to know about the fog season preparations.

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